Dietitian

Overview

Develops and implements a plan of care for patients based on an assessment of nutritional needs which correlates with the interdisciplinary health care plans. Uses physical, clinical, and laboratory data to complete assessment, which includes calculations of nutrition requirements and nutrient content of enteral and parental feedings, and making sound recommendations for optimal nutrition.

• Reviews physician's diet orders, determines if the order is in accordance with clinical data (laboratory, medication, and disease), and communicates with the physicians concerning the patient s nutritional care when appropriate.
• Documents results of nutritional assessment, medical nutrition therapy recommended and initiated, plan of care, results of diet consultation, recommendations for discharge planning and nutrition orders in the patient s medical record.
• Provides nutrition education through individual and group teaching to patients, staff and the community. Counsels patients and families in proper nutrition including food selection, preparation and meal planning based on the individual s life style and medical needs.
• Maintains accurate recordkeeping of daily clinical activities, including information for scheduling and billing.
• Provides day-to-day training; reviews, approves, and co-signs on the work of the Graduate Dietitians. Assists in the education of dietetic interns/students. Plans learning experiences, teaches, and evaluates performance.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient s status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient s requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department s policies and procedures.
  
  Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

• Dietitian certification issued by the state in which the team member practices, and
• Dietitian (RD) registration with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

• Bachelor s Degree (or equivalent knowledge) in Dietetics.

• No experience required.

• Completion of a CADE accredited internship or coordinated dietetic program.
• Intermediate computer skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organization, decision-making, and problem solving skills.

• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, reach above shoulders and twist frequently during the work shift.
• Will occasionally be required to lift 25 pounds.
• Must have functional vision, hearing, speech and touch.
• May need to travel between work sites; therefore, may have exposure to weather-related hazards.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.
• Exposed to a normal office environment.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.